Project Profile

Alexandra Bridge Preservation and Park Site Visioning Project In partnership with the Spuzzum First Nation

Group Learns About Alexandra Bridge

NPTGS has been working with the project lead Spuzzum First Nation since 2009 to save the historic 1926 Alexandra Bridge and develop the adjacent 55-hectare Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park site’s heritage tourism potential. The rocky narrows the bridge spans has been a transportation hub for 10,000 years, making it B.C.’s original Gateway Project. The area contains a wealth of heritage tourism assets and stories that span First Nations, Gold Rush and Chinese history. Two national railways embrace the site on either side of a spectacular canyon.

The project partners have consulted with the community, local businesses, all levels of government and CN Rail to develop an exciting vision of the site’s potential. They’re developing a business plan and working closely with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, which is responsible for the 1926 Alexandra Bridge. The project partners continue to work towards preserving and restoring the bridge, which is an icon of Canadian transportation history.

As part of their efforts to build public and political support for the project, the Spuzzum First Nation has held their First Fish Ceremony in their traditional territory at the Alexandra Bridge Provincial Park picnic area. This millennia-old ceremony gives thanks and shows appreciation for abundance of the natural resources that sustain us all.

Alexandra Bridge Preservation Project Facts

The 1926 Alexandra Bridge replaced the original Cariboo Waggon Road Bridge. But the highway bridge is built on the foundations laid down in 1863 by the Royal Engineers.

This natural crossing point of the Fraser River was used by First Nations for thousands of years and it is he central hub of a network of ancient trails linking the B.C. Interior and the Coast.

Two national railways operate on either side of the site: the CPR (since 1885) and CNR (since 1915). Obtaining safe access to the 1926 Alexandra Bridge across the NCR line is a key project priority.

About NPTGS

A non-profit, non-partisan organization, NPTGS partners with First Nations communities, and all three levels of government to develop and deliver projects supporting local economies and creating heritage tourism assets. Read More ›

Recent Projects

NPTGS has worked with its partners to build or restore heritage trails, launched/completed 18 major projects and staged 165 events, performances, symposia and lectures. Check out our projects portfolio.Learn more ›

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What is NPTGS?

A non-profit, non-partisan organization, NPTGS partners with First Nations, communities, and all three levels of government to develop and deliver projects supporting local economies and creating heritage tourism assets. Read More ›

First Nations & NPTGS

We are dedicated to promoting a grassroots reconciliation process between First Nations and communities based on a stronger understanding of our shared history. Read More ›

Recent Projects

NPTGS has worked with its partners to build or restore heritage trails, launched/completed 18 major projects and staged 165 events, performances, symposia and lectures. Check out our projects portfolio.Learn more ›